Good beginner whiskey?

Good beginner whiskey?

Hi I recently got into whiskey thanks to my older brother. I like to drink it -- definitely my drink of choice. Now I want to learn about it. What's a good, smooth sipping whiskey for moderate level whiskey drinkers?

Re: Good beginner whiskey?

Depends on the individuals preferences. Glenmorangie 10 for a smooth, sweet barley character. Balvenie 12 Doublewood is a nice sherry as is Macallan 12. Highland Park 12 provides a little smoke and honey flavor. Woodford Reserve is a sweet bourbon. Give us a little more of flavors that interest you.

Re: Good beginner whiskey?

We need to know where you want to start, and what types of flavors you like. At the same time two more to consider as all around likeable whiskys is Old Pulteney 12 and anCnoc 12. Both should be reasonably affordable too.

Not to mention there are the almost standard ubiquitious starter drams of either Glenfiddich 12 year old or Glenlivet 12 year old.

Re: Good beginner whiskey?

Some of the best whiskies are blends. There is an illogical prejudice (marketing) towards single malts.Johnny Walker Black Label and Double Black are excellent.Green Label better.Ballantine's 12 Year Old.

It can take a LONG time to get a taste for some whiskies. I hate Bourbons for years and by persistence, not only got to like them, but they're practically my favourites now.

A former Scottish boss of mine used a term, a session whiskey. This was for one you can drink all night and the taste doesn't pall. The very strong tasting ones like Laphroaoig would not be in this category. My tops in this regard. Paddy and Johnny Walker Black Label.

Re: Good beginner whiskey?

Dunno where OP is but those who might find this useful in a similar situation starting off.

BlendsJameson,JW BlackJW Green

I had to mix these whiskies above with Appletiser to enjoy them.

Single Malts - suggest you try them neat first shot and add 2-3 drops of water only if necessary as you get used to the taste and appreciate them more.

Glenmorangie 10yo Original Glenfiddich 12 YOHighland Park 12YO

I find the above sweetish with the HP a good all rounder and my fav go to.

Further exploration led me to Islay (Eye La) whiskies which are more peaty and smoky and as it turns out, I love this.Tali, Caol Ila 12 - peppery and then smokyLagavulin 16 - now my favorite. Laphroaig & Arbeg (the Laphi has a medicinal, iodine, hospital odour thats hard to miss, but dies down once atfer you first get hit by it.)

Off-course there are tons more to try out there. Dont let anyone influence you of what tastes nice. You might hate my suggestions. Thats fine. Also be aware of pairing whiskies with different foods and how it influences the taste against having them alone. You decide. Price point doesnt necessarily make all the difference. I got introduced to that smoky taste with a very very cheap whisky. The ones I've listed do it best though., imho.